The world of supermarket veggie burgers is a fascinating one, filled with a diverse range of options, from classic 1960s-style bean patties to ultra-processed meat analogues. As an expert food critic, I've had the pleasure of sampling a variety of these plant-based delights, and I'm here to share my thoughts and insights. The key takeaway? The lesser-processed burgers truly shine, offering incredible value, flavor, and texture, while the more processed options often rely on synthetic additives to deceive the palate. So, let's dive into the best supermarket veggie burgers, with a focus on those that stand out for their natural goodness and deliciousness.
All Plants Sweet Potato & Black Bean Protein Veggie Burger
This burger is a clear winner in my book. It's a firm but tender, orange-brown patty that packs a punch of flavor. The chipotle and pepper give it a spicy warmth, while the whole chickpeas add a surprising crunch. What truly sets it apart is the dominant lemon-lime flavor, enhanced by smoky paprika, coriander, and cumin. And the best part? It contains no additives, making it a pure, delicious, and nutritious option. A must-try for any veggie burger enthusiast.
Lidl Vemondo Plant! Moroccan-Style Burgers
Lidl's offering is a sweet, medium-spiced chickpea burger that holds its shape and forms a great crust. The complex flavor profile, highlighted by lemon, cumin, and coriander, is sweetened with dried apricots, adding a touch of warmth. The simple ingredients list is a breath of fresh air, making this a top choice for those seeking a bargain without compromising on taste.
Biona Organic Black Bean Cashew Burgers
These classic 1960s-style organic burgers are a delightful treat. Made with black beans, cashews, and red peppers, they are smoky, rich, and umami-filled. The nutty and satisfying texture, combined with a firm bite, makes them a standout choice. While they are a bit pricier, they are a great splurge for those who want a high-quality, organic veggie burger.
Strong Roots Pumpkin & Spinach Burger
This burger is a unique, minimally processed delight. With a texture similar to arancini, it's filled with a brown rice, spinach, and pumpkin risotto in a gluten-free, puffed quinoa crumb. The B Corp-certified certification adds to its appeal, making it a sustainable and tasty choice. A great option for those who want something different and delicious.
Tesco Plant Chef Meat-Free Burgers
Tesco's offering is a pea protein meat-analogue patty with a complex, herby flavor. The smoked paprika, malt, and yeast extracts, along with carrot juice, onion, and thyme, create a peppery aftertaste with a decent bite. While it has a long ingredients list with some stabilizers, it mostly uses whole foods, making it a decent option for those seeking a more processed burger.
Moving Mountains Superfood Spicy Burger
This burger is a firm-textured, crumb-encrusted vegetable protein patty with a spicy cayenne kick and good umami notes. Made from a wide range of veggies, grains, and pulses, including quinoa, lentils, and chia seeds, it's a tasty and nutritious option. However, it's thickened with methyl cellulose, which is a bit concerning for those seeking a more natural burger.
Co-op Plant-Based Incredible Burgers
Co-op's offering is a firm, caramelized patty with a simple, umami-rich flavor. While it contains palm oil, stabilizers, and invert sugar syrup, it's a realistic meat analogue made from textured soya protein. A great choice for those seeking a faux meat experience.
This Isn't Beef Burgers
These burgers are a convincing meat-analogue patty made from textured soya protein, pea protein, and fava bean protein isolate, with natural flavoring and apple and cacao extract. The good texture and bite make it a decent option, but the high price and synthetic ingredients might deter some.
Aldi Veggie Burgers
Aldi's offering is a colorful patty made with red pepper, courgette, and onion, formed with haricot beans, sweet potato, and pea fibre. While it has notes of basil, it's a bit bitter, and the presence of methyl cellulose and potassium sorbate is a concern. The firm bite and small chunks of vegetables throughout make it an interesting but not entirely satisfying option.
Beyond Burger Original Plant-Based Patties
Beyond Burger's offering is a meaty-looking analogue with a rich, umami flavor. However, the rubbery mouthfeel and unappetizing, chewy sinew-like particles make it a disappointing choice. While it's high in protein and contains no soy, the overall experience is not as satisfying as the other burgers on this list.
In conclusion, the best supermarket veggie burgers are those that prioritize natural ingredients and flavor. The All Plants Sweet Potato & Black Bean Protein Veggie Burger and Lidl Vemondo Plant! Moroccan-Style Burgers are clear winners, offering delicious, nutritious options at reasonable prices. While some processed burgers have their place, the natural, minimally processed burgers truly shine, providing a satisfying and flavorful experience without the need for synthetic additives.
